What is relax? Pronunciation and usage in English

relax means . Learn how to pronounce and use relax through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of relax

relaxverb

/rɪˈlaks/
Definition & pronunciation of relax

The word "relax" is pronounced ˈrɛlɪks.

Here's a breakdown:

  • ˈrɛl: This part sounds like "rel" as in "relieve." The stress is on this syllable.
  • ɪks: This part sounds like "icks" – a short, quick "i" sound followed by "ks".

You can hear it spoken here:

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Usage and examples with the word relax in English

Let's break down how to use the word "relax" in English. It's a versatile word with a lot of different applications!

1. As a Verb (the most common use):

  • Meaning: To reduce tension and stress; to become calm and comfortable; to ease up.

  • Examples:

    • "I need to relax after a long day at work." (Meaning: I need to become calmer and more comfortable.)
    • "You should relax and enjoy the sunshine." (Meaning: You should ease up and enjoy the warmth.)
    • "She likes to relax by reading a book." (Meaning: She finds it calming to read.)
    • "He needs to relax his muscles after the workout." (Meaning: He needs to ease the tension in his muscles.)
    • "Don’t relax now! We’re almost there." (Meaning: Don't become complacent; stay focused.)

2. As a Noun:

  • Meaning: A state of calmness and freedom from worry; a period of rest.

  • Examples:

    • "I found a little relax in a quiet café." (Meaning: I found a moment of calm and rest.)
    • "They booked a weekend relax at a spa." (Meaning: They booked a weekend of rest and pampering.)
    • "This is a time for relax and forgetting your troubles." (Meaning: It's a time to be calm and not worry.)

3. Phrases using "Relax":

  • “Relax, it’s okay.” - A comforting phrase to tell someone to calm down and not worry about something.
  • “Take it easy.” - Similar to “relax”, but often implies slowing down and not rushing.
  • “Relax and unwind.” – Suggests releasing tension and letting go of stress. (Often used with activities like a bath, stretching, or meditation.)
  • “You’re tense. Relax.” – Directly telling someone to loosen up physically or emotionally.

4. Different Contexts and Shades of Meaning:

  • Formal vs. Informal: “Relax” is generally informal. In a formal setting, you’d use phrases like “de-stress,” “unwind,” or “take a break.”

  • Physical vs. Mental Relaxation: You can relax your body (e.g., stretching, massage) or your mind (e.g., meditation, deep breathing).

  • Passive vs. Active Relaxation: Relaxation can be passive (simply doing nothing) or active (engaging in a calming activity).

Tips for Using "Relax" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: Think about what you're trying to communicate.
  • Use it with verbs or nouns: Make sure it fits grammatically
  • Combine it with other words: “Relax your shoulders,” “I need a relax,” “Let’s relax together.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to do with the word "relax"? (e.g., write a sentence, understand a conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word relax

Practice with vocabulary relax

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After hours of intense work, it's essential to __________ and recharge.
  2. The new company policy will __________ some of the strict dress code rules, allowing for more casual attire on Fridays.
  3. To improve mental clarity, many people practice mindfulness to __________ their minds from daily distractions.
  4. Before the important negotiation, the lead attorney advised his team members to __________ their strategies carefully.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following activities can help an individual to __________ after a stressful day at work? A. Take a deep breath and clear their mind B. Engage in intense, high-pressure tasks C. Listen to calm, instrumental music D. Stay constantly connected to work emails E. Meditate for 15 minutes
  2. The committee decided to __________ the deadline for submitting proposals by one week due to unforeseen technical issues. A. tighten B. extend C. enforce D. relax E. shorten
  3. To help new employees __________ into the company culture, the HR department organized a series of informal social gatherings. A. integrate B. alienate C. adjust D. relax E. isolate
  4. The doctor recommended warm compresses and gentle stretches to __________ the muscle stiffness in her shoulder. A. aggravate B. worsen C. alleviate D. intensify E. ease
  5. It is crucial to __________ your posture during long hours of sitting to prevent back pain. A. maintain B. adjust C. neglect D. abandon E. stiffen

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: After the intense negotiation, the project team members felt a strong need to de-stress. Rewrite using "relax" or a related word form:
  2. Original: The government indicated that it might make the travel restrictions less rigid for international visitors next month. Rewrite using "relax" or a related word form:
  3. Original: To help the new intern feel more comfortable on her first day, the manager offered a warm welcome and a brief office tour. Rewrite without using "relax":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. relax
  2. relax
  3. clear
  4. review

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A. Take a deep breath and clear their mind C. Listen to calm, instrumental music E. Meditate for 15 minutes
  2. B. extend D. relax
  3. A. integrate C. adjust D. relax
  4. C. alleviate E. ease
  5. B. adjust

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. After the intense negotiation, the project team members felt a strong need to relax.
  2. The government indicated that it might relax the travel restrictions for international visitors next month.
  3. To help the new intern feel more at ease on her first day, the manager offered a warm welcome and a brief office tour.

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